In many grail narratives, chivalry is a constant theme. It is important to the grail tradition that a successful knight or protagonist maintains morals, manners, and confidence to be deserving of the grail. Only the most worthy questers will be able to obtain the grail.
In the story of Perceval, Perceval only becomes a greater knight by constantly aiming to help women. Every knight he conquers, he then sends to serve a maiden who was once disrespected in front of him. This constant morality leads Perceval in the footsteps of his father and brother who were both great knights before him. His chivalry allows for him to accomplish his goal of becoming a famous knight.
Even in the more satirical Monty Python and the Holy Grail, four knights are tested when a gate keeper asks them ironically challenging questions that allow only the most clever and confident of knights to pass. The following clip shows when Sir Galahad is unsure of his favorite color, he is blasted and is unable to continue his quest:
In the story of Perceval, Perceval only becomes a greater knight by constantly aiming to help women. Every knight he conquers, he then sends to serve a maiden who was once disrespected in front of him. This constant morality leads Perceval in the footsteps of his father and brother who were both great knights before him. His chivalry allows for him to accomplish his goal of becoming a famous knight.
Even in the more satirical Monty Python and the Holy Grail, four knights are tested when a gate keeper asks them ironically challenging questions that allow only the most clever and confident of knights to pass. The following clip shows when Sir Galahad is unsure of his favorite color, he is blasted and is unable to continue his quest:
Scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail where the troll of a bridge asks King Arthur and his knights three questions.
King Arthur on the other hand is confident and defeats the gatekeeper by outsmarting him and asking a difficult question in return. Although in this scenario, none of the knights wind up with the grail, it is clear that only the most chivalrous questers will come close.
In La Queste de Saint Graal, Galahad is actually the most chivalrous of the knights. His overt goodness and constant interest in helping everyone lead him to eventually triumphing in his quest for the grail. He then uses it to aid a cripple:
“He noticed a man on crutches sitting beneath the archway in the hope of receiving alms from the passers-by, who often gave to him for love of Jesus Christ. As he drew near him Galahad called to the man and said:
'Come here, good friend, and help me carry this table up yonder into the palace.’
‘Ah! Sir, for the love of God,’ exclaimed the other, ‘what is it you are saying? It is more than ten years since last I walked unaided.’
‘Be not concerned,’ said Galahad, ‘rise to your feet and doubt not, for you are healed’(281)."
Galahad’s chivalry is rewarded as he becomes the ruler of his own kingdom and then ends up using his connection with God through the grail to determine his own fate by requesting his eventual death.
In La Queste de Saint Graal, Galahad is actually the most chivalrous of the knights. His overt goodness and constant interest in helping everyone lead him to eventually triumphing in his quest for the grail. He then uses it to aid a cripple:
“He noticed a man on crutches sitting beneath the archway in the hope of receiving alms from the passers-by, who often gave to him for love of Jesus Christ. As he drew near him Galahad called to the man and said:
'Come here, good friend, and help me carry this table up yonder into the palace.’
‘Ah! Sir, for the love of God,’ exclaimed the other, ‘what is it you are saying? It is more than ten years since last I walked unaided.’
‘Be not concerned,’ said Galahad, ‘rise to your feet and doubt not, for you are healed’(281)."
Galahad’s chivalry is rewarded as he becomes the ruler of his own kingdom and then ends up using his connection with God through the grail to determine his own fate by requesting his eventual death.